LAUDERHILL, Fla. — You could call it a reunion. Caleb Porter calls it addressing a need.

The Portland Timbers added defender Zarek Valentin on Tuesday, trading an international roster spot to the Montreal Impact to acquire him. Valentin joins the Timbers and returns to MLS after spending three years in Noway with Bodo/Glimt, and is teaming up with Porter for their third stint together as player and coach.

Valentin previously played under Porter at Akron back in 2009 and 2010, and he also was a member of Porter’s U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team four years ago. Their familiarity was one of the reasons why the Timbers head coach thought it was a good idea to sign Valentin, but so too was the versatility that former Impact and Chivas USA player provides.

“We’re getting him at a good time in his career,” Porter told SBI on Tuesday. “He was one of the best young defenders coming out of college and cut his teeth in MLS, so he has that experience but also his time in Norway has brought even a little bit more maturity to his game. He’s still young, he’s 24, and yet he’s experienced as a professional now, and he’s versatile.

“He can play anywhere on the back line, which is always crucial, and we need depth for a rigorous schedule with (CONCACAF) Champions League. He’s a good guy as well, good character, and he brings a positive energy to any team.”

The Timbers will surely count on Valentin this year given the amount of games they will play, but Valentin could easily win himself a starting job with a strong showing in preseason. The reigning MLS Cup champions sold starting left back Jorge Villafana to Santos Laguna in December, and that position needs to be covered.

Chris Klute is a candidate to do so after being brought over via a trade from the Columbus Crew a few weeks ago, but Valentin could edge him out. Even if Valentin wins that place in the lineup, he is likely to bounce around different spots in 2016.

Alvas Powell, the Timbers’ incumbent at right back, is expected to miss time this season due to international duty, and Valentin might have to step in for him on occasion.

“With Zarek there are a lot of options with regards to where he could play,” said Porter. “With the (U.S.) 23s, he played for me left back even though he’s right-footed. He’s technical, he’s two-footed, so he’s clean with both feet. He’s been playing right back, so he needs to fill in there. I still think he can, in a pinch, play center back as well.”

Having so much versatility will be helpful to the Timbers as they attempt to defend their MLS Cup title while also trying to make deep runs in the U.S. Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions League. His addition “just made sense” for the club, and also gave the player what he was seeking for 2016.

“He was looking to get back in the league, and we had a need for a player like him,” said Porter. “You feel comfortable because you know him. With a guy like him, you know exactly what you get because I’ve worked with him and I know his personality inside and out. I know the good and the quirks, too, and I think that’s important to know the quirks as well. He has a good way about him.”